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What
is a holder release device?Holder release devices are electric devices that "hold
a door open" and provide a release by eliminating power to
the unit upon a signal from the central fire alarm panel. The door
is then closed by a closing device. Holder release devices may be
incorporated with a smoke detector unit and a closer (as one product)
or installed separately. All manufacturers have different product
designs. Most units are compatible with new or existing fire/smoke
control systems that allow labeled doors to remain open with a controlled
self-close.

Why
are holder release devices necessary?

Safety

Release
and controlled closing upon alarm or power loss

Convenience

Doors
held open in non-alarm conditions

Executive
offices (non-labeled doors) = push button release/closing

Fire
and smoke containment

Compartmentalization

Comply
with fire and life safety codes

NFPA
80 & 101

Comply
with building codes

Occupancy
requirements = BOCA, SBA, ICBO, IBC

Note:
The "Authority Having Jurisdiction" (AHJ) always has the
final say.

Types

Holder/Release
(H/R)

Must
be used with a separate door closer

Must
connect to detector or central alarm system when used on labeled
doors

Often
used for convenience, tied to release switch in executive
offices (non-labeled doors)

Often
used in retrofit (i.e., existing closers and existing alarm
control systems)

Accurate
degree of hold open = good for pocket door applications

Closer/Holder/Release
(C/H/R)

Holder/Release
device with integral closer mechanism built in

Must
connect to a detector or central alarm system when used on
labeled doors

Cannot
stand alone

Closer/Holder/Release
with Detector (C/H/R/D)

Same
as C/H/R, but includes integral detector module

Can stand
alone or operate as part of the alarm control system

Often
used when doors are added during renovation and wiring to
existing system is impractical

Auxiliary
or Companion Unit

Can be
used in conjunction with detector unit for pairs of doors

Visually
matches size/appearance of detector unit but does not contain
a detector

C/H/R
without detector could perform the same function but is smaller
in appearance

Operates
as a slave to a C/H/R with Detector

Styles

Magnet
type floor mounted holder

Holder
release = holder attaches directly to floor

No closer

Magnet
type wall mounted holder

Holder
release = holder attaches to wall

No closer

Frame
mounted holder with closer

Holder
release attaches to frame

Furnished
with closer

Available
with or without detector

Hold
Open

Single-point

Hold open point is adjusted within a given range; unit
always holds open at the same point unless readjusted

Multi-point

Door holds open at any point within a given range; no
adjustment is necessary; hold open point is changed by
moving the door

Free
Swing

Door
operates freely after first opening (patient room door)

Evaluation

Upon submission, results of
your evaluation will be displayed with the correct answers shown
in red.

Most holder release devices are compatible
with new or existing fire/smoke control systems.True.
False.